Tanjore

The Peruvudaiyar Kovil is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and an important example of Tamil architecture achieved during the Chola dynasty is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known as Periya Kovil, Brihadeshwara temple and Raja Rajeswara temple. The temple was built by Rajaraja Chola I as a sysmbol of the Cholas and completed in 1010 AD. The temple basement is covered with inscriptions that give details of the temple’s administration and revenue and also provide valuable historical information on Chola society and government.

The Royal Palace of Tanjore is characterized by its vast corridors, large halls, its shady courtyards and observation towers. It resembles the shape of a flying eagle. This palace was built originally by the Nayaka rulers in the mid-16th century as their royal residence and was subsequently remodeled by the Marathas. A large quadrangular courtyard leads into the palace complex, at one end of which is a pyramidal, temple like tower. The palace has Durbar Hall built by Shahji II in 1684 and Sadir Mahal which is still the residence of the erstwhile royal family and the Palace also has Puja Mahal.

It is located in the Nayaka Durbar Hall of Palace and was established in 1951 which has an impressive collection of bronze and stone idols dating from 7th to the 20th centuries belonging to the many groups like the Bhairava, Umasahita Shiva, Kali and Rama Lakshmana. Rajaraja Museum and Art Gallery has a gallery with a representative collection of stone sculpture from the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Nayaka periods. Another gallery contains samples of the characteristic glass paintings of Thanjavur. This is an intriguing museum that has a collection of ancient sculptures and relics and carries the charm of the Palace which has many visitors all through the year.